May 14, 2016

Sneafellsness Peninsula was very cold. We tried to go camping but the campgrounds were closed due to the bathroom pipes being frozen. Ya, not tourist season for a reason. We ended up in an Airbnb in Grundarfjörður near Kirkjufell Mountain.

We spent the next couple of days exploring the peninsula. We found Hotel Budir (black church) and decided to hike along the coast to Arnarstapi. From the trail sign it didn't sound that long of a hike - we were hoping to be in Arnarstapi by the afternoon for tea and cake (I was traveling with three Scottish). Well, we got lost or the trail ended somewhere in the swamp flats. That is probably up for debate. We were getting desperate to make it to Arnarstapi before the coffee shop closed so we hiked to the road to hitch hike the rest of the way. Car, after car, after truck, after car drove past us and no one, no one (!!) would pick us up, so we became a road block and a very nice couple gave us lift. I think we overwhelmed them with our thankfulness and relief for finally getting a ride. Sometimes, you just really need cake.

One of the days, we ate at Sjávarpakkhúsið which was the cutest restaurant, in a cute town with great food. Later we found Grindavík Lighthouse. Wow, that is orange. And we wrapped up our tour of East Iceland at Laugar I Saelingsdal hot spring for a night of camping and cards.

May 12, 2016

We spent a night in a Reykjavik Airbnb between our week in South Iceland and our week in East Iceland. We needed a real bed, hot showers with clean towels, wifi and a place to defrost. And then this life of 24 hour "luxury " led to another night in Reykjavik so we did a day trip and went dog sledding. This was definitely a once-in-a-lifetime-opportunity because I have done it and I don't need to do it again. I feel bad for saying that but it is kind of true because it is a very expensive hour. We got on the sled and made circles in a snow field while learning Icelandic dog sledding commands and driving straight over the dog poop. Yup, the dogs pooped on the run and the sled (with us on the sled) ran right over it. Anyone who has been dog sledding before, can probably relate to our initial shock when we found this out. However, there is nothing like a navy blue one piece snowsuit and learning about each dogs style of poop. By the end of the ride we knew what dog pooped by just looking at it. FYI.

May 11, 2016

After exploring South Iceland on our own for a week the Golden Circle was like "Oh, this is where all the tourists are." With that being said, you have to THANK Iceland for not having an entrance fee to see any of the Golden Circle tourist attractions. Nowadays, it is amazing that you can still visit something this touristy for free.

The highlight of the Golden Circle was running into an Icelandic stag do. My curiosity led me to a group photo and trying to bargain for their handmade by grandma sweater. I failed at bargaining for the sweater but I did come away with a viking hat.

May 9, 2016

Heimaey Island, the largest island of the Westman Islands (Vestmannaeyjar), was spectacular. It was almost like were were in a movie. There were young local families walking the neighborhood, people working on their homes or gardening, and others moving in. Everyone seemed happy. We drank the Kool-Aid, as they say. We definitely should have stayed the night. We couldn't believe how amazing it was. Were we really on an island that was destroyed by a volcanic eruption?

The ferry over to the island was easy and organized, classic Iceland. We left the car for the day and walked on the ferry. Heimaey Island is small so it was easy to get around. While there, we hiked the red volcanic mountain, we visited the Eldheimar Interactive Exhibition (most well done museum, ever. Ever.) and we hiked Herjólfsdalur behind the music festival venue. Of course, the views were stunning. Can I move in?

Hello! I'm Holly

Welcome! Long Way Around Seven is where I share stories and travel tips from backpacking and living abroad. In addition, my goal is to answer the three most frequently asked questions from one traveler to the next – how did you get there, where did you stay and what did you do.